Venture Timaru

04/03/2026

🚀 South Canterbury Aerospace Meeting, Wednesday18 March
📍 Venture Timaru Boardroom
🕙 10am–1pm

Join us for the first aerospace meeting of 2026!

If you’re working in manufacturing, engineering, automation, technology, and exploring aerospace opportunities, this session is for you.

We are fortunate to be joined by a strong lineup of esteemed guest speakers, each respected in their field: David Wright (Asteria Engineering), Scott Spooner and Roland Sommer (SPS Automation). They will share valuable insights drawn from real-world experience spanning engineering, manufacturing, automation, and aerospace-aligned development.

What to expect:
✔ Practical insights on manufacturing excellence
✔ Understanding market entry pathways
✔ Speakers sharing industry experience and lessons learned
✔ Update from ChristchurchNZ on regional aerospace developments
✔ Time to connect, ask questions, and build momentum together

Spaces are limited. Register now to secure your place.
Email tania@venturetimaru.nz

02/03/2026

Latest economic report for Timaru District from Infometrics points to strengthening agricultural commodity prices and improving sentiment across the livestock sector, which Venture Timaru CE Nigel Davenport says is “a critical driver of the regional economy’’. Read more in the Timaru Herald story.

Timaru’s economy grew by 2% in the December quarter and while economic activity was improving in the district, recovery remains patchy, the latest data shows.

26/02/2026

There's been a surge in interest in our region from Chinese visitors, here for the Chinese New Year. This follows Venture Timaru hosting a group of Chinese social media influencers in partnership with 100% Pure New Zealand. They're loving our little penguins and particularly keen on dining at The Oxford!

Nine years after his first visit to New Zealand, Ziquan Sun remembered how beautiful the country was. Now he’s back with his family and his opinion hasn’t changed.

25/02/2026

Timaru District is home to growing businesses,
From locally grown and manufactured to world-class engineering, online retail, and agritech innovation, our district supports businesses that compete nationally and globally while staying proudly based here.

Family roots, strong partnerships, and practical advantages make Timaru a place where great businesses grow. 🌱
Heartland Potato Chips Co., Preen, Bleeker and Weith 2018 Ltd

We’re proudly promoting Timaru as the place to do business.
Find out more here, maketimaruyourbusiness.nz

18/02/2026

Congratulations Juice Products New Zealand (JPNZ) on reaching an incredible milestone today as its millionth metric tonne of carrots arrived! 🥕

Read more about it in the article below or watch Wednesday 18th February episode of Seven Sharp.

A processing plant at Washdyke reached a major milestone on Wednesday, as its millionth metric tonne of carrots arrived.

13/02/2026

Are you aged 50+ and thinking about starting a business, but unsure where to begin?

If you’re serious about starting a business or redefining an existing one our free 8-week Starting a Business at 50+ programme is designed to help you take practical, supported steps forward.

Led by our Business Development Manager Tania Stoddart and co-coached by Univentures founder Chris Kirk, participants work through practical modules, receive one-to-one coaching, and join two group sessions to connect with peers.

We help participants to:
• Test and validate their ideas
• Build a realistic and achievable business plan
• Make informed decisions about what comes next

The first course begins 19 March 2026.
Places are limited, and early registration is encouraged.

To register your interest, please email tania@venturetimaru.nz or call our office on 03 687 2682

08/02/2026

It was a busy cruise time last week for Timaru as we had our two biggest cruise ships visiting. With PrimePort Timaru Limited we took the opportunity to take Timaru District Council elected members Michelle Pye - TDC Councillor, Owen Jackson - Timaru District Councillor and Peter Burt plus senior leadership team member Andrew Dixon on board Noordam, so they could get some insights to the cruise sector in Timaru, and discuss its economic impact for our district. Pictured with the group representing Venture Timaru is Di Hay, and from PrimePort Emma O'Connell.

Next cruise visit is due 17 Feb, with Seabourn Sojourn visiting for the first time.

06/02/2026

It was quite a sight at Caroline Bay on Thursday when the first ever polo took place on the beach, with one of our larger cruise ships visiting, in the background.

Great turn out for this inaugural event that we were pleased to be able to help get off the ground, along with Timaru District Council

Hundreds of people, including cruise ship passengers, attended Caroline Bay’s first-ever beach polo match and showjumping competition.

05/02/2026

Thrilled to be a part of this Michelle Pye - TDC Councillor - wonderful day in Timaru District 😀

02/02/2026

Investment at PrimePort Timaru Limited pays off, with a cruise ship making the district it's home port in New Zealand, taking on supplies here and the changeover of passengers. Another step on our cruise journey Timaru District Council!

This week is a busy cruise week, with our two biggest ships calling - Norwegian Spirit was here yesterday and Noordam is back on Thursday.

Timaru is having a big cruise ship season, and is the only port in New Zealand with an increase in ship visits compared to the previous summer.

29/01/2026

Visitor numbers are boosted in Timaru this week with 2 cruise ships, sold out rugby game and Trust Aoraki Thunder Down Under.

Another busy week ahead with another 2 cruise ships and the start of the Seaside Festival, kicking off with Polo on the beach on Thursday 5, and The Finish Line Festival Friday 6 Feb.

Rugby, motorsport and cruise ships are combining to fill Timaru with visitors over the next five days.

15/01/2026

Thrilled to share some outstanding news for Timaru District and provincial New Zealand!

Our World Tennis Tour Timaru has received a prestigious International Tennis Federation award, putting Timaru firmly on the global tennis map. This recognition is a testament to what can be achieved when a community comes together with passion, purpose and a “can-do” attitude.

Our heartfelt congratulations go to Tennis NZ and Tennis South Canterbury , tournament organisers, volunteers, sponsors and the wider community — your dedication has driven this event from an idea into a world-class experience.

Events like this showcase the strengths of provincial New Zealand — that outstanding events, international quality experiences and meaningful economic and social impact aren’t just for big cities. They can and do happen in regions like ours, where collaboration, community spirit and genuine hospitality make a real difference.

Venture Timaru support this event, via the Timaru District Council Major Events Fund, and are unashamedly proud to be part of a district that backs ambition, supports organisers and celebrates success with its people.
📌 Read more about this achievement here: https://tennis.kiwi/news/world-tennis-tour-timaru-receives-prestigious-international-award/

Here’s to building on this success, attracting even more major sporting events, and continuing to show the world what provincial New Zealand can deliver.

This years event 9 to 15 March 2026 for finals weekend tickets: https://tennis.kiwi/timaru/

Click here for ticketsAfter a highly successful first edition in 2025, the World Tennis Tour Timaru event has been awarded as an outstanding event on the international tennis calendar, through the International Tennis Federation’s (ITF) Tournament Recognition programme.